Top 10 Parts Manager Certifications

Certifications for parts managers are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is highly valued by employers. Certification shows employers that the parts manager has the necessary skills to effectively manage inventory and other tasks associated with the role. Additionally, certifications give parts managers an edge over their competition when applying for jobs, as certifications can provide evidence of their expertise and commitment to their profession. Ultimately, certifications are essential for any parts manager looking to advance in their career or land a job with competitive wages.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Parts Managers, and how they can help enhance a parts manager's career.

What are Parts Manager Certifications?

Parts Manager Certification is a professional certification offered by the Automotive Parts Services Group (APSG), which is an organization that provides automotive parts management training and certification. The certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the parts operations of a dealership or automotive service facility. The certification program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, covering topics such as inventory control, pricing strategies, customer service, safety compliance standards, and more.

The Parts Manager Certification can help individuals improve their job performance by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully manage the parts operations of a dealership or automotive service facility. It can also help employers ensure they are hiring qualified personnel who have the necessary knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their parts operations. Additionally, having this certification may make an individual more attractive when applying for jobs in the automotive industry since it demonstrates that they possess the qualifications required for managing parts operations.

Pro Tip: When pursuing Parts Manager Certification, make sure to take advantage of any available online coursework and resources to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, be sure to research and understand any relevant industry regulations in order to ensure compliance with all applicable standards.

Related: What does a Parts Manager do?

Top 10 Parts Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Parts Managers today.

1. Certified Parts Manager (CPM)

Certified Parts Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group). The CPM designation is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of competency in the management of automotive parts and service operations.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPM certification process. To get certified, you must first submit an application and pass an online assessment. After passing the assessment, you will be required to attend a two-day workshop and successfully complete a written exam.

The cost of the CPM certification program varies depending on your location and other factors. Generally, it costs around $1,500-$2,000 USD for the entire program including materials and fees.

Once you become certified, you will receive a certificate from The Group that recognizes your achievement as well as access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities with other Certified Parts Managers.

2. Automotive Parts Management Certification (APMC)

Automotive Parts Management Certification (APMC) is a professional certification offered by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). The APMC certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of automotive parts management, including knowledge of product identification, inventory control, purchasing and distribution.

The APMC certification program consists of two levels: Certified Automotive Parts Manager (CAPM) and Master Automotive Parts Manager (MAPM). To become certified as a CAPM, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as product identification, inventory control, purchasing and distribution. The exam can be taken online or at an AAIA-approved testing center. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam.

To become certified as a MAPM, you must first pass the CAPM exam and then complete additional coursework in areas such as customer service, sales management and marketing. This coursework must be completed within six months of passing the CAPM exam. Once you have completed all requirements for MAPM certification, you will receive your certificate from AAIA.

The cost for taking the APMC exams varies depending on which level you are pursuing. For the CAPM exam, it typically costs between $150-$200 USD. For the MAPM exam, it typically costs between $300-$400 USD.

In addition to these fees, there may also be other costs associated with obtaining your APMC certification such as travel expenses for attending training courses or seminars and any materials required for studying for the exams.

3. Certified Automotive Parts Professional (CAPP)

Certified Automotive Parts Professional (CAPP) is a certification program provided by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the automotive parts industry.

To become a Certified Automotive Parts Professional, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as automotive parts identification, inventory management, customer service, and warranty procedures. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get started with the CAPP certification process, you must first register online at ASE's website. You will be required to pay a fee of $50 for the application and $60 for the exam. After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam date and time.

Once you complete the exam, you will receive your results within 10 business days. If you pass the test, you will be awarded the CAPP certification and can start using it immediately. The certification is valid for five years from the date of issue.

4. Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP)

Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward those who have achieved a high level of knowledge in the automotive aftermarket industry. The AAP program is administered by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), an international organization that represents the interests of aftermarket professionals.

The AAP program consists of two exams: the Core Exam and the Specialty Exam. To become certified, you must pass both exams with a score of 80% or higher. The Core Exam covers topics such as automotive systems, service management, sales and marketing, customer service, and other related topics. The Specialty Exam focuses on a specific area of expertise within the automotive aftermarket industry such as brakes, suspension, engine performance, electrical systems, etc.

The time required to prepare for the AAP exams varies depending on your experience level and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for it. Generally speaking, it takes approximately six months to one year to prepare for both exams.

To get started with the AAP program, you must first register with AAIA and pay a registration fee of $150 USD. Once registered, you will be sent study materials including practice tests and exam guides which will help you prepare for both exams. You can also find additional study resources online such as books and websites dedicated to helping individuals prepare for their AAP exams.

Once you have completed your studies and feel confident enough to take your exams, you can register online through AAIA’s website or by phone at 1-800-843-2284. The cost of taking both exams is $400 USD which includes all fees associated with taking the exam(s).

5. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The CSCP designation is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of supply chain management best practices.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online course, an online exam, and a practical application assignment. The online course covers topics such as inventory management, logistics, global supply chain strategies, customer service, and more. It typically takes about 12 weeks to complete the course.

To get the CSCP designation, you must pass the online exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the exam is $695 USD for non-members and $595 USD for APICS members. After passing the exam, you must submit a practical application assignment that demonstrates your understanding of the material covered in the course.

The CSCP designation is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

6. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the field of purchasing and supply management. The CPM is offered through the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), a global association for supply chain professionals.

The CPM certification process includes an exam and requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in purchasing and supply management, as well as a bachelor's degree or higher. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as procurement, contracts, logistics, inventory control, supplier relations, and more.

It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the CPM exam. Candidates can use ISM’s study materials to help them prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are several online courses available that provide guidance on how to pass the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CPM certification varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member. For ISM members, the cost is $395; for non-members it is $595. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center or using other services provided by ISM.

7. Certified Inventory Manager (CIM)

Certified Inventory Manager (CIM) is a professional certification program designed to provide inventory professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful inventory management. It is offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS).

The CIM program consists of two courses: The Certified Inventory Manager Course and the Certified Inventory Professional Course. The CIM course provides an introduction to inventory management concepts, principles, and techniques. This includes topics such as inventory planning, forecasting, purchasing, warehousing, and control systems. The CIP course builds on the knowledge gained in the CIM course by focusing on advanced topics such as supply chain optimization and enterprise resource planning (ERP).

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete both courses depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week. To get started with the program, you must first register with APICS and purchase the required textbooks for both courses. The cost of registration and textbooks varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of APICS. Generally speaking, members pay less than non-members for these materials. After completing both courses, you will need to pass an exam in order to become certified as a Certified Inventory Manager (CIM).

Once certified, you will be eligible for job opportunities that require a CIM certification. You can also use your certification as evidence of your expertise when applying for promotions or higher level positions within your organization.

8. Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager (CPIM) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program provides professionals with an in-depth understanding of production and inventory management. It also helps them develop the skills needed to effectively manage production and inventory operations.

The CPIM certification program consists of five courses, each focusing on a different area of production and inventory management. The courses cover topics such as supply chain management, demand forecasting, master scheduling, materials requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, quality control, inventory control and purchasing. Each course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive knowledge base in order to be successful in their field.

The CPIM certification program takes approximately 18 months to complete. To become certified, individuals must pass all five exams within a three-year period. The cost of the program varies depending on which organization you choose to take it through; however, it typically ranges from $3,000-$4,000 USD.

In addition to passing the exams and completing the courses, individuals must also meet certain experience requirements in order to become certified. Generally speaking, individuals must have at least two years of professional experience in production or inventory management before they can apply for the CPIM certification program.

9. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the logistics field. It is intended to provide a standard for measuring competency in logistics operations, management, and planning.

It takes approximately three months to complete the CLA certification process. To get certified, you must first apply for the program through AST&L's website. Once your application has been accepted, you will be required to take an online exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, warehousing and distribution systems, customer service, and other related topics. You must pass this exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive your CLA certification.

The cost of the CLA certification varies depending on the type of membership you choose with AST&L. Membership fees range from $50 - $500 per year depending on which level you select. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $150 for taking the online exam.

10. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in quality engineering and management. The CQE credential is intended to identify professionals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that products and services meet customer requirements.

The CQE exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management, quality control, design of experiments, process improvement, sampling techniques, and reliability engineering. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CQE certification exam, applicants must have at least eight years of work experience in a quality-related field or have completed an ASQ-approved education program. Additionally, applicants must pass an ethics examination prior to taking the CQE exam.

The cost of taking the CQE exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members, the cost is $346; for non-members it is $496.

Do You Really Need a Parts Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need a Parts Manager Certificate to work as a parts manager. A parts manager is responsible for overseeing the ordering and stocking of parts in a warehouse. The job requires knowledge of inventory control systems, customer service skills, and problem-solving abilities.

In most cases, employers look for candidates with experience in the automotive industry or related fields who have demonstrated the ability to manage complex tasks and effectively communicate with customers. Even without a Parts Manager Certificate, you can still demonstrate your competency through other credentials such as an associate's degree in business management or logistics, certification from an automotive trade school, or relevant experience in the field.

Ultimately, having a Parts Manager Certificate may be helpful when applying for certain positions but it is not necessary for all jobs. Ultimately, employers are looking for someone who can demonstrate their knowledge of the industry and show that they have the skills and abilities needed to be successful in this role.

Related: Parts Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Parts Manager Certifications

1. What is the cost of a Parts Manager Certification?

Answer: The cost of the Parts Manager Certification varies depending on the organization offering it, but generally ranges from $500 to $1000.

2. Is there a time limit for completing the Parts Manager Certification?

Answer: Yes, most organizations require that you complete the certification within 12 months of starting the program.

3. Are there any prerequisites for taking a Parts Manager Certification exam?

Answer: Yes, many organizations require that you have at least one year of relevant work experience in parts management prior to taking the exam.

4. What topics are covered in the Parts Manager Certification exam?

Answer: The topics covered in the Parts Manager Certification exam include inventory control, supply chain management, parts ordering and tracking, customer service skills and more.

5. What type of job opportunities are available with a Parts Manager Certification?

Answer: With a Parts Manager Certification, you may be eligible for positions such as parts manager, parts buyer or warehouse manager in various industries such as automotive, manufacturing and retail.